Belmont 01.
This newly single busy professional wanted a home that reflected him and where he’s at in his life today. With a busy work-life he deserved to have a space that he could retreat too after a long day.
The Process
6 months of planning, decor renderings, decor sourcing, purchasing, design meetings, deliveries, and installation, and the end result was worth the hard work!
My client embraced the process of letting go of the old version of his decor, sold some pieces, and invested in quality pieces that truly inspire and function for him. There were some key tweaks we made to the layout that made a huge difference in the flow of the space. The sofa was too far back from the TV and there was a lot of unused and undefined space. Simple adjustments to rug sizes and the right shaped dining table also added a more open and functional layout. I created zones for cocktail seating, a movie night lounge, dining area and entry way.
Scroll for the before photos.
The Paint
The most impactful design decision for this space was deciding to paint the walls a fresh white and the fireplace a satin black. Before the walls were a drab color of greige which aged the space significantly and felt dark with the minimal sun this room gets. Fresh white paint helped reflect the sun throughout the space and gave the illusion of taller ceilings.
Panting the fireplace was the most dramatic modern update we made. Before the mantel and walls were two different colors which made the TV standout and that wall feel choppy. Having the black paint go all the way up to the ceiling let the fireplace be a focal point and made the TV an afterthought.
Style Inspiration
The style for this space was inspired by his love of modern and textural pieces like you would find in nature. The marble dining table, the organic textural cream lamp shade, and other nature inspired stone accessories and art were a reminder of his love of nature and down-to-earth vibes. I pulled a lot of inspiration from 1950’s midcentury and mixed this story with the organic minimalist aesthetic to encourage calmness.
The Biggest Challenge
The entry was the biggest challenge. There was never a defined space for an entry, but I knew that it would be so useful for his everyday coming home drop-off spot. I defined the space as it’s own zone by adding a statement-piece console with height and a floor mirror. The mirror gives the illusion of a space within a space and reflects the dining area beautifully.
Storage
Closed storage is my favorite solution for keeping a home organized and calming. I added monochromatic black bins to blend into the black furnishings and an entry cabinet that had ample closed storage. I even repurposed a vintage projector slide case from the 1950’s that I found at a vintage spot in his neighborhood. It is now home to his video games. There are decorative leather boxes on the coffee table and the built-in that are home to TV remotes and game controllers. The bar area has an ottoman that is also a coffee table and serves as storage.
My favorite storage solution moment in this home is the handcrafted record display turned art storage I hung on the wall. It holds up to 20 records in a minimalistic way. The client can choose which record to display and makes for an easy art update.
Zen Vibes
I gifted the client with a ceramic bowl, made by my aunt, with a palo santo stick for a therapeutic element. Learn more here about how these rituals can add to a mindful way of living.
I hope you enjoyed this reveal. Look out for the video tour!
Your Home Stylist,
Jacqueline
All photos by INBA.
